by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent

We already know from THE ITALIAN JOB and MAD MAX: FURY ROAD that South African bombshell Charlize Theron can drive the hell out of any vehicle, even with deranged bikers in tow. Now Imperator Furiosa can add a few more skills to her dating profile with Universal’s July 28 release ATOMIC BLONDE.

This movie is based on the Oni Press Graphic Novel Series “The Coldest City,” written by Antony Johnston and illustrated by Sam Hart. Theron is also a producer on Atomic. Plus it has wily Toby Jones being creepy and John Goodman playing it tough.

That line “You don’t need a man, you need a champion*” applies to the female lead here. Note that Charlize can do things with a high heel that few dare dream to do, and still be a golden-hued spokesmodel for iconic French perfume Dior.

You’ll recall her Oscar-winning performance as a serial killer in MONSTER (2003) the minute you watch this trailer for what looks to be a new wild entry in this Transvaal native’s career. The official description follows below from Universal, but just take in the clip without context first, to see how talented and physically powerful this Queen from The Huntsman can be.

After all, in Mad Max, she even made super toughie Tom Hardy look a little frightened. Here she makes James McAvoy consider his options. What a date night movie this will be.

From Universal Pictures, Bows July 28

Oscar® winner Charlize Theron explodes into summer in Atomic Blonde, a breakneck action-thriller that follows MI6’s most lethal assassin through a ticking time bomb of a city simmering with revolution and double-crossing hives of traitors.  

The crown jewel of Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service, Agent Lorraine Broughton (Theron) is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on her impossible mission.  

Sent alone into Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief David Percival (James McAvoy) to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies.  

A blistering blend of sleek action, gritty sexuality and dazzling style, Atomic Blonde is directed by David Leitch (John Wick, upcoming Deadpool 2). 

Also starring John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella and Toby Jones, the film is based on the Oni Press graphic novel series “The Coldest City,” by Antony Johnston & illustrator Sam Hart.  Kurt Johnstad (300) wrote the screenplay.

Cast: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella and Toby Jones

Directed by: David Leitch

Screenplay by: Kurt Johnstad

Produced by: Charlize Theron, Beth Kono, A.J. Dix, Kelly McCormick, Eric Gitter, Peter Schwerin

Executive Producers: Nick Meyer, Marc Schaberg, Joe Nozemack, Steven V. Scavelli, Ethan Smith, David Guillod, Kurt Johnstad

Official website here. See it July 28, 2017.

# # #